By Our Correspondent

The Senate on Tuesday at plenary mandated its Committee on Basic and Secondary Education to summon the Minister of Education and heads of other relevant agencies over what it described as a sudden implementation of a new curriculum and registration guideline issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

This followed strong reservations expressed by Senators during debate on motion over the sudden implementation of the new curriculum and registration guideline issued by WAEC.

They warned that the move could cause widespread failure among students scheduled to sit for the 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE).

The motion, sponsored by Karimi Sunday-Steve, highlighted an abrupt and “ill-prepared” policy change by the Federal Ministry of Education and WAEC. He said while leading the debate, that the new guideline requires all SS3 students nationwide to adopt a new curriculum originally planned to take effect in two years’ time, for candidates currently in SS1 and billed to write WAEC in 2027–2028.

Karimi noted that the shift had led to the removal of subjects such as Computer Studies, Civic Education and other pre-existing courses from the WAEC syllabus for the May/June 2026 examination, despite students’ years of preparation, warning that most students would now be left with only six examinable subjects instead of the required minimum of eight and maximum of nine.

The Senate, he said, must act in line with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which places the welfare of citizens at the centre of governance, and Section 18 which mandates government to ensure equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels.

Contributing to the debate, Adams Oshiomhole, who seconded the motion, condemned what he called a “culture of anarchism” in policy implementation. He faulted the introduction of a new curriculum without adequate teachers, laboratories, equipment or proper notification to parents and schools.

“You cannot wake up overnight and say that in June students will be examined in a subject they have not been taught,” Oshiomhole said. “Intentions are not enough. Proper homework must be done.”

He urged the Senate to invite the Minister of Education and relevant agencies to provide evidence of preparedness before such a major policy shift is allowed.

Similarly, Idiat Oluranti Adebule supported the motion but noted that major educational decisions must pass through the National Council on Education involving all state commissioners. She called for a wider investigation into the entire proposed curriculum review.

Senator Solomon Adeola also backed the motion, observing that many of the newly introduced subjects including cosmetology, fashion design, garment making, livestock farming, GSM repairs and solar installation, were highly practical and required facilities most schools do not have.

After extensive deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled that the Minister of Education, heads of relevant education agencies, and the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education should meet to address the concerns raised.

Akpabio noted that the Senate had already adopted one of the prayers regarding exclusion of current SS3 students but agreed that full engagement with the ministry was necessary before any final directive.

“These are very weighty issues,” he said. “We cannot risk mass failure in the 2026 WAEC examinations. The relevant committees should invite the Minister immediately and report back within two weeks.”

The Senate insisted that the matter must be resolved before the end of the year to safeguard academic future of students nationwide.

By George Mgbeleke

Former Minister of Mines and Steel Development,Dr.Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, has in a message brimming with gratitude and renewed optimism for the people of Isuikwuato and the entire Abia North region, praised the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi for approving and commencing the long-awaited reconstruction of the Uturu–Afikpo Federal Road, a deplorable highway that has for years strained Economic and social life across communities in Abia and Ebonyi States.

Uturu–Afikpo corridor, widely regarded as one of the most strategic routes in the Southeast, serves as a major artery for commerce, agricultural exchange, inter-state trade and student movement between the two states. Years of neglect had turned the road into a nightmare for motorists, traders and residents.
Today’s intervention, Dr Ogah noted, “marks not just a project launch but a restoration of dignity, safety and Economic vitality for thousands who depend on the route daily.”

Reacting to the development, Dr Ogah described Minister of Works action as “a turning point for the hopes of our people,” applauding the Minister for his trademark blend of engineering excellence, responsive Leadership and compassionate Governance. He noted that the swift approval reflects Umahi’s National commitment to infrastructure renewal and his determination to ensure that no region is sidelined in the Federal works agenda.

According to Ogah,“This is a masterstroke of statesmanship. Sen.Umahi has once again proven that he is a builder of both roads and trust. He has given our people a reason to believe again.”

He further appealed to residents and host communities to cooperate with contractors and safeguard ongoing work to ensure timely and quality delivery.
Ogah reaffirmed his personal dedication to championing more infrastructural improvements across Abia, stressing that development thrives when leaders and citizens work in synergy.

He concluded that the reconstruction of the Uturu–Afikpo Road will unlock Economic opportunities, enhance security, ease movement, and restore regional pride.

Ogah emphasized that Sen.Umahi deserves the heartfelt appreciation of Ndi Abia for this transformative and long-overdue intervention.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Human Rights Committee of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly has marked the World Human Rights Day in partnership with the Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence(AWAGBV) with a call for the review of existing laws against gender abuse and human Rights violations.

The gathering of State Legislators led by the Chairman of the State Assembly Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Ted T. Elemeforo and the Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence (AWAGBV) led by the President, Dr. Dise Goddy Harry also witnessed the recognition and award of excellence to Fifteen distinguished personalities involved in the human rights advocacy.

Among those honoured is the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, King Peremobowei Shedrack Erebulu for his advocacy against female Genital Mutilation, the Wife of the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Council, Queen Timinipre Dakolo for her advocacy against violence against the girl Child, Her Royal Majesty Queen Tecy Diongoli for her strong posture in defence of the Girl Child, the Vice Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Vivien Brisibe PhD for her role as Chairperson of the NBA Committee on Human Rights and owner of the Sunny Springs Event Arena, Bolou Ebi Esther Opukiri Esq for her support towards the protection of the girl child.

Also in attendance were the second National Vice President, Dr Joan Filatei and all members of the AWAGBV including representatives of the National human Rights Commission, Gender Vanguard CDS of the National Youths Service Corps led by Ngozi Perpetual Awuze, other human Rights advocates.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Ted Elemeforo commended all key players in the fight to reduce human rights abuses and described the human rights.

He promised that the present state house of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Abraham Ngobere will take a second look at existing laws to allow for quick justice to those persons violated, ” I want to also call on our traditional institutions and other key stakeholders to look out for the protection of women and ensure the protection of human rights”

He also said the State House of Assembly have started the process of looking at the gaps in the existing laws.

Two other State Legislators at the event, Hon. Godbless Oyinke and Hon. Hon. Chief Ayibanegiyefa Egba threew their weights behind the Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Human Rights,promising to support all efforts to improve legislations to protect the rights of women and child in the state.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yenagoa Branch, Mr. Clement Bibisa Kekemeke Esq and the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State Chapter, Dr. Boma Tonye Miebai Esq agreed that there is the need to review and domesticate the existing legislations to have more bite and protect victims rights and privileges infringed upon.

The Grand Patron of the Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence (AWAGBV) , Chief (Dr.) Antonia Garner, in a lecture on the difference and similarities in the existing legislation in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, said though there are similarities in purpose but a huge difference in the implementation of the laws against human rights violations and Gender based violence.

Dr. Antonia Garner, who is a practicing social worker in the United Kingdom, said while the protection of Rights are embedded in article 8,16 and 17 of the UK laws, it is complex for existing laws of Nigeria to protect the people.

According to her, the existing laws in UK,United States and Nigeria are meant to protect it’s citizens, ” But Nigeria needs to do more in the area of legislation locally to protect and solve existing social problems. There is the need for State Assemblies. national Assembly, the Court and the Government to work together.”

In her contribution, the Permanent Secetary of the Bayelsa Ministry of of Women Affairs, Children Affairs and Social Development, Ms Agnes Oloye called on Gender Advocacy groups to take advantage of the existence of a safe house for the victims of gender abuse and ensure that the Ministry is called upon during challenges.